While the price of food hasn’t been escalating like it was last year, a trip to the grocery store can still be expensive. Especially when you start adding in feasts like Thanksgiving! But it's remarkably easy to serve up savings along with that gravy. An added bonus: Do it right and you'll save stress as well as money.

Make a List

First stop to Thanksgiving savings? Do a head count so you know how many you'll be serving. Then decide on exactly what's for dinner. Once you know these two things, head for any number of websites to find out the exact ingredients and quantity of each you'll need. Making a complete list the first time will save you from additional trips to the store. And recipe sites are also handy because you can check to make sure you have the time and skills needed to actually cook what you're imagining!

Search For Deals

Next step: Once you've got a complete list of ingredients, go to any number of coupon search engines on the web and see if you can get discounts on each and every one. We have one at Money Talks News; there are plenty more out there. And don't forget your local papers. Even if you don't subscibe, pick one up at the news stand and starting scoping it out a week in advance.

Try Alternatives

A fresh bird costs 30% to 40% more than frozen. But remember it takes 3-5 days to thaw that bird, so give yourself enough time.

And don’t be a whiner when it comes to wine. Thumb your nose at high priced bottles of wine and head for the box section; it’s half the price. Embarrased to serve boxed? No worries: Pour it into a nice decanter and nobody will know the difference.

Final tip? Before you shop, check the price-matching policy at your favorite store. If your store matches advertised deals, you’ll be able to do all your shopping in one place and not miss out on deals elsewhere.

Here's wishing you and your family a happy, safe and frugal Thanksgiving. Cheers!

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we must not get caught up in the preparations and so many other things that we forget what is really important with this holiday; spending time with those we love and being thankful for the good things in our lives. The food must not be the most expensive to enjoy a short time with our loved ones

let them!
My MIL is bringing her sausage stuffing (I make vegetarian ones) and cranberry sauce (she makes a wonderful one). An aunt is bringing a pumpkin pie and brother is bringing an appetizer. I work what they're bringing into the menu and it cuts down on stress and costs.